CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola stated it was too early to say whether Hamed Traore will be fit enough to be selected for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

Midfielder Traore has not been available for Cherries’ previous four fixtures due to a bout of illness.

He was last named in a matchday squad at the start of December, remaining on the bench during Cherries’ 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa.

Traore has been named in the Ivory Coast’s preliminary 55-man squad for the tournament, with the deadline for the final 27-strong selection falling on Wednesday, January 3, 10 days before the first game of the competition.

As the Ivory Coast are the hosts of the tournament, they will face Guinea-Bissau in the opening game of the tournament on Wednesday, January 13.

Asked about Traore’s chances of being available for the competition, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “We have to see because the medical staff has to make more assessments because he's not recovering.

“He has been ill.

“It is taking more time than we expected. So I cannot tell you right now.”

So far this season, Traore has made just three Premier League appearances, all coming off of the bench.

The Ivorian international also featured in all three of Cherries’ EFL Cup matches, scoring one time.

He has been capped nine times by the Ivory Coast, scoring twice.